SUMMER INTERNSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE ATTHE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATIONWashington, D.C.

Are you, or do you know of, a student interested in the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of our nation’s diverse historic resources? The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) in Washington, D.C., has internship opportunities available for undergraduate or graduate students, as well as individuals at an early stage of their career and professional development. A small, independent federal agency, the ACHP oversees the historic preservation review process for federal projects and conducts a variety of preservation programs dealing with community preservation, climate change and sustainability, Native American interests, economic development, diversity, youth engagement, promoting public appreciation of cultural heritage, national preservation policy, and legislation.
The ACHP is looking for candidates with an interest in historic preservation who may come from a wide variety of disciplines in addition to history, architectural history, or archaeology, such as architectural design, planning, law, economics, and journalism. Selected interns will complete projects aimed at broadening awareness of the activities carried out or overseen by the ACHP and our historic preservation partners nationwide. Interns will also become familiar with the full range of work of the agency and will participate in meetings and programs with others interning at related agencies and organizations.

Internships at the ACHP are flexible and can be for the summer (8-12 weeks) or an alternative period of time, such as a quarter or a semester during the school year. Specific assignments will be developed based on the skills and interests of selected interns. Interns are volunteers, though a small stipend to help offset expenses will be provided. Projects can be tailored so that academic credit can be awarded. ACHP professional staff members supervise all interns.

Potential 2016 Projects

Research, assess, and prepare a legal analysis regarding a federal agency’s responsibility for complying with environmental laws, and in particular the National Historic Preservation Act, for large scale renewable energy projects and large scale, linear projects with significant private investment and varying levels of federal involvement. Explore how courts treat an agency’s compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act in comparison to its compliance with other relevant environmental laws, such as the National Environmental Policy Act.

Participate in the day to day work of the Office of General Counsel and have the opportunity to become involved in legal issues that affect the ability of the agency to accomplish its mission. Assignments may include issues related to historic preservation law, ethics, Freedom of Information Act, and appropriations law, and may involve attendance in meetings with outside parties.

Support the work of ACHP members and staff on partnership projects related to Preservation50 (the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act.) Projects include a history of ACHP preservation policy development, research on international programs and practices, analyzing public views on preservation priorities, and the development of preservation policy recommendations to the President and Congress.

Research, develop, and help enhance content related to Preservation 50 and the Preserve America program for social media, presentations, and the Web. Help keep materials and data base records related to the Preserve America program up-to-date.

Research and develop materials highlighting the importance and benefits of historic preservation for all Americans. Help identify new audiences and develop avenues and communications to reach these audiences. Research and draft content for the ACHP Web site and Section 106 success stories, as well as ideas for the ACHP’s social media efforts and targeted stories by themes.

Assist with activities relating to the ACHP summer business meeting; provide support for upcoming meetings and projects, including annual preservation conferences, and ACHP participation in other outreach activities.

Support staff handling of Section 106 case review, making sure the requisite information has been submitted for a finding, making case assignments, determining timetables, etc.

Review agreement document files, both hard copy and e-copy, making sure that the two locations match. Develop a catalog of what is in those files, including whether or not the agreement has been terminated or amended.

Support other emerging priorities through work with the Offices of Communications, Education, and Outreach; Federal Agency Programs; General Counsel; and Preservation Initiatives.

Relevant skills include strong research, writing, and organizational ability; comfort with contacting, meeting, and interviewing people by phone or in person; and experience with using and developing content for the Web and social media. Some familiarity with historic preservation is desirable, but not required.

Past interns say…“I loved how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Even though it's a federal agency, it's small enough that you can easily meet people and learn about what they do. I also appreciated how flexible the ACHP was in making my internship project work for my graduate program, and I felt like I was doing substantive work, both with the work directly related to my project, and the everyday work that I did.

“It was nice to have the opportunity to visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation and learn about what they did there, and we did a tour at the Pentagon too- a good way to tap into a larger group of preservationists.”

“One of the best parts of my internship at the ACHP was the opportunity to learn about preservation across the entire country. Reading about communities and projects in states like Colorado, Alaska, and American Samoa really opened my eyes to the diversity of preservation in the United States.

“From a practical side, the internship taught me valuable skills for any job, including program management, agency interaction with the public, and writing for specific audiences. I translate the knowledge I gained about the National Historic Preservation Program into my current position.

“It was great working alongside the staff at the ACHP, as I was treated as a fellow staff member and not just an intern. They allowed me to take initiative on certain projects, including research and development of materials to be included on Web sites and promotional material.”

Raina Regan, Community Preservation Specialist, Indiana Landmarks

How to Apply – Deadline March 31, 2016
Interested applicants should apply online using the form at http://www.achp.gov/docs/achp-2016-internship-application.pdf and a resume. The Internet Explorer browser works best. Hit “submit” at the bottom of the form, and the data you filled out should appear as an .xml file attached to an e-mail message. This may pop up for sending or be in your drafts folder. Before you hit “send,” attach your resume. If this doesn’t work for you, “save as” the filled-out form as a pdf and then attach it to an email along with your resume. Send to Judy Rodenstein, Internship Program Coordinator, at jrodenstein@achp.gov.